opt

¹

[opt]

verb (used without object)

1. to make a choice; choose (usually followed byfor ).

   Synonyms: elect, pick, select

verb phrase

1. opt in,  to decide to make use of or take part in something.

   To receive automatic updates, opt in under the email notification section.

2. opt out,  to decide to withdraw from or not take part in something.

   You can opt out of the pension plan, but you lose the employer and government contribution.

opt.

²

abbreviation

1. optative.

2. optical.

3. optician.

4. optics.

5. optional.

opt

/ ɒpt /

verb

1. to show preference (for) or choose (to do something) See also opt in See also opt out

Other Word Forms

• unopted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of opt¹

First recorded in 1875–80; from French opter “to choose, divide,” from Latin optāre “to wish for, desire, pray for, choose, select”

Word History and Origins

Origin of opt¹

C19: from French opter, from Latin optāre to choose

Example Sentences

England had opted against an official deputy over the summer series against West Indies and India, instead utilising a "leadership group" of various senior players.

From BBC

More than 100 cities around the country have opted to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day over Columbus Day.

From Los Angeles Times

This tour in particular feels like the moment when Lipa is opting out of the rise-and-crash fame cycle and into becoming more of an album artist and deeply considered live act.

From Los Angeles Times

Former Vice President Kamala Harris announced earlier this summer that she has opted against running for the seat.

From Los Angeles Times

While some buyers may opt for EVs anyway, "next year is going to be hard," she warned, noting that her firm is calling for overall car sales to fall by roughly 2% in 2026.

From BBC

Related Words

• decide 
• elect 
• go for 
• prefer